Ford says it’s working on a fix and is asking owners to contact dealers, who will arrange for loaner cars until repairs are made. Ford says the engines can catch fire when they overheat and fluids leak onto hot parts. It was unclear what caused the engines to overheat.

It’s the fourth recall in four months for the all-new Escape, a top seller for Ford.

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Ford urged owners of the recalled vehicles to call dealers to get loaner cars. The cars can still be driven, but owners whose dashboard warning lights illuminate should pull off the road, turn off the engine, and leave the vehicle, the company said.

‘‘It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall,’’ Steve Kenner, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office, said in the statement.